Tears rolled down my cheeks when she mentioned Dad. I really didn't want to talk about him. Why does mom think he had a bad life? "Mom, dad had a great life! He loved you! He had a supportive family and a great job a-and..........." I could go on and on about what dad had but all I could bring out was a tiny choked sound. I miss dad so much......it's unbearable.

"I know, sweetie. I just wish he could be here with us." I nodded in agreement, trying to hold back my tears, but I couldn't.

"I think we should be getting home." I said, feeling the cold again. She nodded, and we started walking home. The rest of the walk was spent in silence. I flopped myself onto my bed, exhausted. I really hated that woman. I really hated anyone who blamed me for David's doing. I really hated David himself. I was letting all sorts of thoughts run through my mind when one reminded me of something. That dance. I really hadn't given the dance itself much thought. I wondered what sorts of people would come there. Mom told me that it would be hosted in the City Hall. I never actually thought that they hosted things. Huh. You learn new things all the time, apparently. I really am not looking forward to it. I wouldn't be even if I didn't know that something bad would happen. I just generally don't like dancing. Or dresses. Or people.............At least, some people.

"Alice, do you want dinner?" I heard my mom yell from the other room.

"Alright, mom!" I answered. Out of habit, I turned on my computer. There was no Cleverbot that opened, so I watched some videos to cheer myself up. My mom called me for dinner about half an hour later. There was some soup and salad. TONIGHT WE SHALL FEAST! It was kind of awkward since we didn't talk about anything. There was nothing new to talk about.

"So how did you like the movie?" My mom asked, her usual enthusiasm missing.

"I don't remember that much. I fell asleep about ten minutes after I brought the popcorn." I answered.

"Oh. Well, I thought it was pretty cute. It had a really nice and happy ending." A really nice and happy ending. Pfft, I wish.

"Isn't that theme overused? They fall in love, they kiss, everything gets better at some point?" I asked.

"I think it's nice to show kids that happy endings are deserved by everyone." My mom answered, not looking up from her soup.

"It's not everyone, though! The only ones who are showed in the movies are princesses!" My mom stayed silent. I can't believe it. I just start arguments at once. Why do I do this? I really can't control myself sometimes. I just shut up. In a moment, I realized that my relationship with my mother was fading away. I can't let that happen now. There's two, no, one more day to have a good time, and I'm not even using that time. "Mom, I'm sorry. I'm still just a bit tired."

"It's alright. I guess I'm tired myself. Is it ok if you do the dishes? I need to get some sleep." I nodded at once.

"Mom?" I asked, while she was leaving the room.

"Yes?" She said, stopping.

"Are you still using the sleeping pills?"

She slumped her shoulders. "Occasionally. Yes, I use them. I'm not sure what else to do." I looked down in disappointment. "I use the correct dose now, though. That one time I didn't wake up on time was because I took a few too many." I just nodded, my face expressionless. "Good night, Alice." She said, going away.

"Good night, Mom. Sleep well." I finished the dishes, and went off to get ready for bed. When I was in bed, a picture entered my head. A bad one. What if mom tried to overdose? I tried to push the thought aside. She wouldn't do that. I hope she wasn't thinking of that. I really do.